Millions face worst drought in 50 years

MORE than 3 million people faced a water shortage as the worst drought in 50 years hit parts of south and southwest China, according to meteorological officials.

Villagers carry water distributed by the government yesterday in Donglan County, Hechi City

The drought affected 2.91 million people and 1.48 million livestock in Yunnan Province. Up to 57.5 percent of crops were also affected in the province.

Rainfall since July has been 207 millimeters lower than average while the temperature was 1.7 degrees Celsius higher, said Ma Lianxiang, chief forecaster of Yunnan Provincial Meteorological Department.

The provincial meteorological department issued a drought alert on Wednesday.

In neighbouring Guizhou Province, where about 250,000 people suffered a drinking water shortage, the government mobilized 61,000 people and 1,140 water transport vehicles to tackle the problem, Guizhou Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said.

In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, more than 600,000 people in Hechi City faced a water shortage.